Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford said he expects to lean on the running game a little more in 2016 with WR Calvin Johnson now retired. "I think it'll make us different," he said Thursday, July 28. "It's on us to make it more dangerous. We got to go out there and make the plays."

Fantasy Tip: It's tough to gauge how Stafford will perform without Johnson leading the passing attack, but he should still be viewed as a high-end QB2.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford believes his offense will be tougher to defend without former WR Calvin Johnson. Stafford said defenses won't know who the Lions will go to on offense, whereas most of the time in previous years Johnson was their go-to guy.

Fantasy Tip: Golden Tate takes over as the No. 1 wide receiver in Detroit, and he's a WR2 candidate in 2016. Marvin Jones figures to be the No. 2 receiver, but he shouldn't be viewed as more than a WR4 with WR3 upside.

Retired WR Calvin Johnson is not expected to return to the Detroit Lions and play in 2016, according to general manager Bob Quinn. Quinn said he has not thought about a possible return for Johnson because of the conservations the two had before Johnson made the decision.

Fantasy Tip: Golden Tate should be the team's top receiver in 2016 with Johnson retired. He recorded 813 yards and six touchdowns in 2015 and should be a middle-round option in fantasy drafts. Marvin Jones and Eric Ebron should also have solid roles in the passing game and could be middle- to late-round options in leagues.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford said he knew the NFL was "wearing on" retired WR Calvin Johnson. "Not to say that I expected it, but I wasn't shocked," Stafford said Friday, March 25. "I've known Calvin for seven years and know the effort and the attitude that he plays with, and it takes a toll on people. And he was catching quite a few passes and getting hit quite a bunch, and so it takes a toll."

Fantasy Tip: With Johnson out of the mix, Golden Tate is a low-end WR2 candidate, and Marvin Jones sneak into WR3 territory.

Fantasy Tip: Megatron was one of the greatest receivers in NFL history and showed his freakish talent from the moment he stepped foot onto the field. The Lions will likely need to enter the free-agent market or draft a receiver to line up opposite of Golden Tate.
Tate has had two big fantasy years in a row, but there are questions as to whether he can be as productive as a surefire WR1 with Megatron no longer there. Tate remains an WR2 in fantasy, but he would really benefit from another legit target on the field.
TE Eric Ebron took a step forward in 2015 with 47 catches for 537 yards and five touchdowns. Entering his third year, he could capitalize on a position that has a distinct gap after the top few tight ends. Ebron could be the next one to enter the fray of the upper echelon. He'll be in the midrange TE1 mix in fantasy drafts.

Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson hasn't spoken publicly about his decision on whether to retire this offseason, but one person who has spoken with him in recent weeks said he expects Johnson to make a decision sometime before the NFL Draft in April. Free agency starts March 9, and the Lions would like a decision before then.

Fantasy Tip: Injuries have slowed Megatron the last two years to the point that he disappointed as a starting fantasy wideout in 2015. If he returns, he's no longer a lock for a first-round selection, and he's much safer as a WR2.

Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson took exception to the speculation that he's threatening to retire to receive more money from the Lions. A source close to Johnson said the he has no money concerns and is simply evaluating whether he wants to continue playing. He's not expected to come to a decision for several weeks.

Fantasy Tip: Megatron would be a WR2 consideration in fantasy if he continues playing.

The Detroit Lions have $83.29 million invested in offensive players as free agency approaches. The Lions are projected to be $32.73 million under the cap. QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson combine to make up 29.8% of the allocated money.